Herbs & Spices Calories

The calories in herbs and spices are often negligible in a finished dish because they are used in small amounts, like a dash of cinnamon or tablespoon of dried basil. In a recipe with many servings, however, it can be necessary to consider the calories coming from herbs and spices. A few items on the calorie chart add significant calories even in small portions due to processing, such as adding sugar to make crystallized ginger. Many spice blends, including poultry seasoning, can also contain a lot of salt; check nutrition facts for exact sodium and sugar values. Table salt, listed on the calorie chart as iodized salt, is not calorie dense but can have a negative effect on health (e.g., increasing blood pressure) when the recommended daily value of about 2000 mg is exceeded. Herbs and spices are primarily used to add flavor without increasing total calories, but these ingredients often have health benefits as well. Chili peppers, for example, have high nutritional value because they contain capsaicin, which releases endorphins and acts as an anti-inflammatory, and tarragon is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals like calcium and iron.